Langley-based Giants fall in first game of U.S. road trip

Just three minutes into the game, a left-handed centre from the Vancouver Giants put the Langley-based hockey team on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately, that goal by the 16-year-old Surrey lad was to be the only scored by the Giants Wednesday night, when the G-Men faced off against the Tri-City Americans in Kennewick, Wash. Wednesday evening.

It was Popowich’s second marker in as many games, scoring from the bottom of the right circle, explained the team marketing director Brendan Batchelor.

The G-Men had all the momentum early, holding the Americans off the shot clock for over eight minutes to start the game, but Brett Leason scored his first WHL goal on Tri-City’s first shot to tie the game.

Tyler Sandhu made it 2-1 early in the second period, beating Vancouver goaltender Ryan Kubic on a rebound at the side of the net.

JuusoValimaki took over the game in the third period, scoring at 1:44, 8:22 and 11:21 to extend the Americans’ lead. His prowess on ice included “a natural hat-trick in the third period to help the Tri-City Americans win,” Batchelor explained.

The Americans ultimately beat out the Giants 5-1.

Despite the loss, Vancouver out shot Tri-City 40-30.

The Giants went 0-for-4 on the power play.

The G-Men will continue their U.S. road trip on Friday night when they visit the Spokane Chiefs. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.

Their next home game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29, against the Prince George Cougars at the Langley Events Centre.